“I have been in Sorrow’s kitchen and licked out all the pots. Then I have stood on the peaky mountain wrapped in rainbows, with a harp and a sword in my hands.” ― Zora Neale Hurston, Dust Tracks on a Road

For the Writer’s Quote Wednesday Event, we’re asked to share a favorite author’s quote that inspires us as writers. Celebrated novelist Zora Neale Hurston, a product of the Harlem Renaissance, has been one of my favorite authors for many years. Today marks the 114th anniversary of her birth.

The daughter of former slaves, she lived with various family members after her parents’ deaths. Poet, Langston Hughes was counted among her closest friends. You may know her most popular work, Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Filed under: Black History, Uncategorized Tagged: Birthdays of Black Icons, Zora Neale Hurston]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2016/01/07/repost-zora-neale-hurston-birthday/feed/1WP_FI_Q_Zora_Sorrow's_Kitchen (Oxygen)donnapalmerhZoraQ_Zora_Sorrow's_Kitchen copywriters-quote-wed-20151At What Price Fashion? Anastáciahttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2016/01/04/at-what-price-fashion-anastacia/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2016/01/04/at-what-price-fashion-anastacia/#commentsMon, 04 Jan 2016 06:44:15 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=830Continue reading →]]>Racism rears its ugly head in fashion. Yep. I just went on and put it out there. One fashion designer, whose creativity had obviously tapped out, resorted to racial degradation in order to ensure her line made the runway. Seemingly inspired by the Brazilian folklore surrounding a chattel slave named Escrava Anastácia (Slave Anastasia), designer Adriana Degreas chose to fashion a garment featuring the muzzle the beautiful slave was forced to wear.

As Model No. 2, Shirley Mallman, sashayed Degreas’ creation down the 2012 Sao Paulo Fashion Week runway. My first reaction when I saw the creation was how the model felt about having to wear it. Her expressionless gaze

Two Adriana Degreas fashions featuring Brazilian slave Anastácia and styling a swimwear accessory based on a slave muzzle.

did a good job of hiding any disgust there may (or may not) have been. But the model was not my main concern. A couple of search strings brought me right to the event and the designer.

This show ran Degreas’ 2012/2013 swimwear line. You won’t have to watch the entire video. In fact, Degreas was so inclined toward featuring her creation that she opened the collection with both of her slavery-inspired designs. I’m not sure of the size of the troupe; but there was one Black model out of the first seven that walked.

Garment No. 1 was the swimsuit with the muzzle as an accessory.

Garment No. 2 was the dress depicting a muzzled Black woman.

Model No. 3 was Black. Degreas made sure her skintone matched that of the face on the previous garment.

Garment No. 4 also featured the muzzle as an accessory.

So she opened the show with these pieces; and the video fades from the seventh model to the finale including the entire troupe. It appears the pieces were the anchor for this collection.

“The case of Anastácia suggests how a particularly evocative and powerful image can function as the material ground upon which the processes of cultural imagination and folk memory coalesce, and how a popular image can serve as a repository of values and ideas quite different from those of its creation.” (Escrava Anastácia: The Iconographic History of a Brazilian Popular Saint)

For the sake of relevancy, I developed a detailed overview of how Anastácia is regarded in Brazilian culture today. The 2011 show sparked a protest about the lack of Black Models at Sao Paulo Fashion Week. Now, I’m wondering if this design was a rebuttal to the protest — a statement piece. Did Degreas take it upon herself? Or did SPFW give her license?

As with most folklore, the story of Anastácia depends on who you talk to. Black Then tells of a beautiful slave woman with piercing blue eyes whose owner sent her away to hide from his wife the indiscretion that he fathered her with an enslaved woman. Of all the versions in Jerome Handler’s The Iconographic History of a Brazilian Popular Saint, the most fascinating was the tale that Anastácia was raped by an overseer and

other whites and subsequently birthed several blue-eyed children as a result. The story goes that Anastácia never allowed him to kiss her. So she was made to wear the mask because she refused “her lips to the overseer’s kiss.” The facebook post that brought Anastácia to my attention says the slave owner made her wear the mask as punishment for spurning his advances. Finally, one of the first versions I read said Anastácia was made to wear the muzzle/mask because she was too vocal about the treatment of slaves.

Pages 26 and 27 of Handlers, however, talk about how the popular image, actually entitled Punishment for Slaves came to be erroneously attributed to Anastácia. An unobjective look at the print impressed upon me that the subject appeared to be masculine. And Arago, himself, referred to his subject as male. Interesting reading.

I’m glad to have learned about Anastácia. However, I think plastering her likeness, or the idea that memorializes her, on a garment to be strutted around on a catwalk shows the level of disrespect that Brazil still holds for Afro-Brazilians. It also solidifies the case for global White Supremacy (Racism).
Santa Escrava Anastácia (Saint Slave Anastasia) Santa Escrava Anastácia is especially popular in Umbanda religion traditions. Her story vacillates between either a kidnapped princess from Nigeria or a slave born in Brazil. Legend dictates that Anastácia was a healer and was also known for her unusual beauty which was punctuated by her blue eyes. She was forced to wear a muzzle and collar. She eventually contracted tetanus from the collar; and it killed her. Legend is that she forgave her captors and even healed their children as she lay dying.

Designer Adriana Degreas being interviewed at 2012 Sao Paulo Fashion Week. I’d love to have been a fly on the wall to hear this exchange.

Filed under: Black History, Living While Black Tagged: fashion, Slavery]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2016/01/04/at-what-price-fashion-anastacia/feed/2Anastacia Featured Image copydonnapalmerhBikini and Dress copyPunishment for SlavesRoberto-Custodio-Art-AnastaciaAdriana holding dress copyWench by Dolen Perkins-Valdezhttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/wench-by-dolen-perkins-valdez-2/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/wench-by-dolen-perkins-valdez-2/#respondMon, 18 May 2015 17:56:33 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=766Continue reading →]]>My weekend visit to Barnes & Noble reminded me of the upcoming release of Balm, a historical novel about the meshing of three lives in the Midwest after the Civil War. While I was drafting my post about the release, it dawned on me that I should probably revive a 2011 review of her first novel, Wench. . .

Introduction

The slave/husband-figure arrangements mentioned in the description of Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez instantly captured my interest. In all my reading about slavery and genealogy, Lizzie’s and Nathan’s arrangement is the first of its type I’ve encountered. While it’s certainly conceivable from a physical standpoint, it’s most definitely inconceivable from both a historical and an emotional one.

Opening Line

“Six slaves sat in a triangle, three women, three men, the men half nestled in the sticky heat of thighs, straining their heads away from the pain of the tightly woven ropes.”

Outdoor hair braiding session

This author “can turn a phrase,” as the saying goes; and comes out full throttle in her debut novel. The activity being described above is that of the traditional positions assumed for hair braiding. The men were getting their hair braided by the women. Just imagine them seated on the ground rather than on stools as shown in the picture. Readers can look forward to more of this type of brilliant narrative in Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. She subtly and cleverly sparks the imagination by leaving things unsaid. Her implied word engages the reader to conform the idea to his understanding — an excellent example of “reading between the lines.” The author can express an idea in a manner which allows each reader to arrive at the same thought on his own terms. Dialect was natural and not forced, as I’ve seen in some attempts at fictionalizing the concept of slavery.

Review

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

The story covers three summers during the middle of the 19th century at a resort then known as the Tawawa House — which later became Ohio Africa University — which was ultimately named Wilberforce University — near Xenia, Ohio. The story opens in media res during the summer of 1852 — the slaves’ second summer at the resort. The storyline consists of two sub-plots and vacillates between activities at the Ohio resort and the Drayle plantation in Tennessee. The first sub-plot centers around Lizzie and her summer friends from other plantations, Reenie, Sweet, and Mawu. Phillip, another slave from the Drayle plantation, accompanies his master on the annual vacations as well. He and Lizzie share a sibling-type bond. Henry and George round out the group of male slaves — with the dimensions of Phillip’s character being the most developed. The second sub-plot includes Lizzie’s interactions with Nathan Drayle, her master/husband-figure — whom she simply calls, “Drayle.” I was leery of the confidence Lizzie had in him; and felt her misplaced trust would come back to bite her. It was one thing to trust him with her own life and the lives of her children. But given the confidence she placed in him, I was concerned — and rightly so — about the other slaves who became part of her “resort family.” The one good thing that came from this arrangement was that they all invested in the “kinship”; and the bonds of their sisterhood remained with, and sustained, each of them. Simply stated, Drayle was a jerk — who was led around by a certain part of his anatomy. Love Lizzie? Never could, never did. Yes, he taught her how to read; but he would not consider or discuss the idea of freeing her or their two children — a son called Nate and a daughter nicknamed, “Rabbit.” I always detected insincerity in his dealings with her. His base motives always overshadowed anything said by or about him. The following observation regarding his absence during Lizzie’s delivery of one of their children (keep it real — his pickaninnies), however, sealed it for me: “He was far from being a worried father. His celebration would be less over a newborn child and more over a newly acquired piece of property.”

Lizzie committed what I consider “the unpardonable sin of slavery” when she confided to Drayle about a slave who was planning to escape. I knew she wasn’t snitching though; and could only shake my head in astonishment at her naieveté. She actually thought his “love” for her extended to her friends; and that he would make an effort to soften the effects of the consequences since he knew her friend’s “man.” Silly girl — tricks are for kids! A mere whim of Fran Drayle, (Nathan’s wife) could bring any plans or provisions he had made for Lizzie crashing against the harsh wall of reality. An example is Fran’s decision to move her visiting nephew, Billy, into the room Drayle had set up for Lizzie; and Drayle did nothing and went along with it. While it appears that both Fran and Lizzie are weak when it comes to “King Drayle, in all actuality, both women know how to manipulate him. He is being pulled in two directions; but, interestingly, he’s never in the position of having to squirm out of the fixes he creates for himself. He’s lackadaisical and doesn’t seem to care. I suffered with Lizzie in her embarrassment as she was moved from the room Drayle had designated for her back to the slave quarters. But Lizzie is smart enough to fend for herself. When vacation time comes, she doesn’t check her plantation train of thought at the gate of the resort. She never really lets her guard down — not even when escorted to a luxurious dinner in the main dining room. She knows what time it is. We all know. While, at times, she feels like “Mrs. Drayle,” deep inside, she knows her role and usually manages to get something out of the deal.

And there was one more thing she had managed to escape with: . . . the pamphlet. She needed to find a safe place for it, somewhere it could sit for a few years. She planned to give it to Nate once he was a man, so that he too could feel the heat of the words and channel his young anger into the righeous fury of this Wendell Phillips.”

I did not want this story to end. One critique I have is that the expanse of time between major events began to decrease toward the end — as if the author were trying to “hit all the bases” before heading home. But my “critique” is hardly a negative one. It’s an indication that I’m waiting for more from Perkins-Valdez. The Author’s Note explains the true existence, and background, of Tawawa Resort. The publisher offers a Reading Guide at on the Harper Collins website.

This book review is also posted on my genealogy blog because it’s about slavery. I’d love to know your thoughts. Thank you.

Filed under: Black History, Book Review Tagged: Balm, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Historical Fiction, Slavery, Wench]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/wench-by-dolen-perkins-valdez-2/feed/0Featured Image -- 762donnapalmerhSeated Hair BraidingCover of Wench by Dolen Pekins-ValdezI’m Still Herehttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/03/29/im-still-here/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/03/29/im-still-here/#commentsSun, 29 Mar 2015 14:20:29 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=752Continue reading →]]>Despite appearances, I haven’t abandoned the STUDIO. I finally got my genealogy blog launched; and have been writing over there. I’m happy to see a few of you have already found it and like it as well. I’ll continue to keep my eye on the reader. One thing I’ve learned is when I come across some of your posts in the reader and want to comment, my “DSA” icon appears instead of “aCS.” For that reason, I’m thinking about creating a separate account for the blogs. Thinking about it.

And yes — you’ll notice I “borrowed” this theme. I actually think it works better for the other blog. So I’ll be looking for a different theme for this one.

Okay, it just occurred to me — even this post will display my alter-ego blog icon. To circumvent that, I would need to change my default blog then change it back. What do you guys think? Those who have more than one blog, how do you handle this issue? Thanks.

Isabel Wolff’s A Vintage Affair (2011) centers around Phoebe Swift and how internalized pressures concerning her best friend’s (Emma Kitts) untimely death influence her life. In addition, Phoebe’s parents are recently divorced; and their strained relationship also contributes to her quandary as she juggles being loyal to her mother with growing to love little Louis, her father’s love-child.

Prepared by a successful career as an auctioneer at Sotheby’s in London, Phoebe branches out and opens Village Vintage, an upscale vintage clothing boutique, in Blackheath. Wolff’s use of the UK (mecca of international fashion designers) and Sotheby’s (a vehicle to introduce vintage clothing) as elements in the setting of this novel contributes greatly to it ability to instantly engage the reader. The vivid descriptions of not only the appointments within Village Vintage, but also its diverse clientele, prime the imagination — transporting the reader into an appropriate setting to watch the storyline unfold.

Emma’s death and the surrounding circumstances are clearly one of the sub-plots of this novel. The obvious link to the main plot is Emma’s and Phoebe’s BFF relationship. “The hat” Phoebe displays in Village Vintage, however, is a subtle link to the main plot. Another pivotal character is Thérèse Bell, whom Phoebe addresses as Mrs. Bell. She enters the storyline as a client with a well-kept wardrobe and one item with which she refuses to part — yet another sub-plot.

Wolff skillfully weaves a mother obsessed with rejuvenation, the perfect assistant, a choice of three potential suitors, a high-schooler who can’t afford a coveted gown, a superstitious dressmaker, an inept medium — and other relevant characters — throughout this charming tale. The element of suspense is subtly incorporated throughout the storyline. Wolff continually broaches the subject of Emma’s death in a manner that hints at suicide — a conclusion so obvious that I couldn’t readily accept it. Instead, I immersed myself into the plot and patiently waited for the author’s revelation.

Though the French words and phrases are a necessary part of the dialogue in keeping with the vintage fashion theme, they also caused me to sometimes forget that the setting was actually in the UK. The author’s UK references, however, nudged me back into the appropriate setting.

Phoebe was a fan of the Modigliani, Rubens style of body-typing. The fashionista reader will take pleasure in the designers mentioned:

Dior

Burberry

Mary Quant

Ferragamo

Betsey Johnson

Pierre Cardin

Hermes Kelly

Givenchy

Ted Lapidus

Nina Ricci

Vivienne Westwood

Guy Laroche

James Wainwright

Halston

YSL

Jean Paul Gaultier

I love all things vintage and knew, just from reading the description, that I would love this novel. Reading it brought on the same waves of nostalgia I get when I enter certain vintage, consignment, and/or resale shops — depending on the stock at the time. As I read about some of the items Phoebe purchased from clients, one passage reminded me of my mother at day’s end in her beautiful bed jackets. I enjoyed reading the stories behind the items that were brought in for Phoebe to purchase. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Advance Uncorrected Proof of A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff.

Filed under: Book Review, Book Reviews, Books Tagged: A Vintage Affair, Isabel Wolff, Novel]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/20/book-review-a-vintage-affair-isabel-wolff/feed/0WP_FI_Book_Review_Vintage_Affair copydonnapalmerhCover_Vintage_AffairSubstantive Writinghttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/19/substantive-writing/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/19/substantive-writing/#commentsMon, 19 Jan 2015 23:07:12 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=710Continue reading →]]>These days, most of my substantive handwriting takes place in my journal, Bible study notes, or notes on sermons. (I refrain from using the term, “sermon notes” — because doesn’t that sound like I’m preparing to preach the sermons?) Anyway, if you’ve read any of my pages that talk about commonplacing, you will reason that I am an analog note-taker. I love my Moleskine; and a good ballpoint pen — fine tip over medium. I’ll never understand all the rave over gel pens. Although I’ve purchased Levenger notebooks and journal pages, I have yet to invest in a ballpoint — and I still haven’t found any journal that could replace my Moleskine. Handwriting serves as a vehicle for more impromptu notes. I’ve thought about trying to do stream of consciousness writing in an analog journal. I guess I’ll never know unless I try. But I keep seeing images of myself staring blankly off into space waiting for a substantive thought to come. And sometimes my hand doesn’t want to cooperate with my impression of how a character should look. Will I be able to decipher my writing later; or should I mar my journal page with a scratch-out and rewrite? I truly don’t understand compliments about my penmanship. Quite a while ago, I noticed that not only do I type faster than I write. I’m more able to keep up with my thought progression when I’m typing. Whether I’m typing into a Word or Notepad document, my thoughts flow more freely than when I write by hand. The faster I record my thoughts onto the screen, the faster I can process and upload new thoughts. And “the beat goes on.” So, note taking: analog or keyboard. Blogging, stream of consciousness, creative writing: keyboard. What about you? When was the last time you Pens and Pencils wrote something substantive — a letter, a story, a journal entry, etc. — by hand?Filed under: Writing Tagged: writing]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/19/substantive-writing/feed/3donnapalmerhBeginning Your Family History Searchhttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/19/beginning-your-family-history-search/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/19/beginning-your-family-history-search/#respondMon, 19 Jan 2015 17:44:50 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=704Continue reading →]]>NOTE: THIS POST IS GEARED TOWARD ANALOG GENEALOGY. ONLINE METHODS WILL BE DISCUSSED IN A SEPARATE POST.

So you’ve decided to research your family history. Get ready for the whirlwind of astonishing highs and discouraging lows that are all a part of genealogy. As you work your way backwards through about three generations, you’ll be encouraged by readily available data. The pedigree chart and family group sheet will prove to be your workhorses for the life of your project. So get into the habit of updating them with each piece of documented evidence you find. Neither the pedigree chart nor the family group sheet are static documents. Changes will be required to both throughout your research. Documenting each source of information is key and will help you zero in on the most probable data for each ancestor. It will also come in handy in ruling out erroneous data that is likely to surface when you take your search online.

Start with yourself and work back one generation at a time. The operative word here is “work.” When you’re first starting out, it’s very tempting to try to fill in all the blanks on your pedigree charts. I’ve been there – done that; and in some cases ended up having to revisit “there” and re-do “that.” So, resist the urge and save yourself the extra time and frustration. Instead, work your genealogy by focusing on one generation; and collecting as much data as you can find on the husband and wife. Be sure to complete a family group sheet for each head of household before proceeding to the next generation.

I do believe in making the most of research trips, however. So, I consider it good time management to gather more than one generation of census documents while you’re at the library. Likewise with obtaining copies of court records you know exist and have names and dates for. But I would limit work on earlier generations to just copying the census sheets, and doing a very basic extract of court documents. Then file the documents and extracts until your research brings you to that generation. In addition, you’ll have them handy for reference checks to ensure you stay on track.

Since I began researching my family history in the 1990’s, I can only advise you on how to begin your research offline. As I learn to employ online methods, and confirm their authenticity, I will incorporate them into my posts.

Filed under: Ancestry, Genealogy Tagged: ancestry, documentation, family group sheet, genealogy, pedigree chart]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/19/beginning-your-family-history-search/feed/0Gen_1 copydonnapalmerhThe Missing Elementhttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/15/the-missing-element/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/15/the-missing-element/#commentsThu, 15 Jan 2015 12:30:43 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=654Continue reading →]]>Yesterday, I shared four blogs on which I’d placed substantive comments. Today’s Blogging 101 assignment is true. Of the four, one of them stayed with me enough to influence the direction for the STUDIO. But another of the four used the same technique — photography. Deanna’s photos of Clouds and Sunsets underscore the narrative in her posts. They illustrate her appreciation for God’s creation. She has a vast repository of photography from over the years that she continues to expand.

Another self-photographer, Chameleon, uses her own photographs as well. Her posts are written in both English and French — yet use the same photos. This speaks volumes on the power of a photograph and reminds me of the quote:

“A picture is worth a thousand words.”

I’d like to amend that quote and add, “A picture needs no translation.”

The content of these two blogs focuses on completely different subject matters. But they both come across as more personal. And I think it’s the photography that makes the difference.

While scouting for stock photography is an enjoyable pastime, personal photos seem to add a layer of authenticity to a blog. My only camera is the one in my Galaxy S3, which I understand can deliver quality images. It’s a welcome alternative to my broke-down low-mp Canon that’s held together by a rubber-band after being dropped. I’ve read about how the GS3 takes great pictures and that the various levels can be adjusted to affect different image styles. I think I want to add this layer of authenticity to a Commonplace STUDIO. What this means is that I’ll have to spend less time at the keyboard and get to snappin’.

I can usually tell a stock photo from a personal one. And, along with the stock photography comes the responsibility of attribution.

I’m more into the writing aspect of blogging; so the switch to personal photography will be a slow, methodical one. I know not to expect professional quality; but I do aim for my photos to be above “point and shoot.” So, I’ll continue to use stock photography, and work a suitable attribution style into my posts. And, of course, I’ll announce when one of my own images is featured. Wow. Who knew? “Blogging 101 is just what this STUDIO needed” said Miss Donna as she added yet another stock photo to the STUDIO.

Filed under: Blogging, Reflections Tagged: blogging101, photography, Reflection]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/15/the-missing-element/feed/6WP_FI_Photography copydonnapalmerhWP_FI_Photography copyBe my Neighbor?https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/14/be-my-neighbor/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/14/be-my-neighbor/#commentsThu, 15 Jan 2015 03:36:58 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=646Continue reading →]]>The creative minds behind Blogging 101 have put together a no-holds-barred program. From day 1, we just jumped in with both feet. But the instructors, Happiness Engineers, and fellow course participants kept us afloat. Even though the course outline is prominently displayed in the Commons, assignments always come with an unexpected twist to help us blog with a purpose.

Yesterday’s assignment: leave comments on at least four blogs that you’ve never commented on before.

Ironically, each assignment is actually a building block for something I’ve already incorporated into my blog. Yesterday was an exceptionally good day for connecting with other WordPressers. Seeking out bloggers with whom I’ve not communicated has been quite rewarding. For instance . . .

In her Weekend Mission post, Chameleon talks about her choice to write in both English and French. The topics mentioned in her “About Me” widget are what initially interested me. But the English / French concept is also a draw. Reading French with English narrative close-by is a good way for me to update my sketchy knowledge of a subject I studied for six years.

Deanna talks about how things came together as she decided on Clouds and Sunsets as the name for her blog. She shares how the name came with an added bonus. Along with reflections, she will be sharing all the amazing photos of clouds and sunsets she has taken over the years.

a hectic life had me on pins and needles all the way to the finish line as I read The Morning Race. She brilliantly uses a (part of speech?) or symbolism — whatever — to describe her daily ritual. Cute, funny, and very creative.

My fourth one is missing. I’ll add it later. Anywho — I don’t know if I’ll be a Hero by the end of the course. But I’ll be far from a Zero

Filed under: Blogging Tagged: blogging101]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/14/be-my-neighbor/feed/6Untitled-1 copydonnapalmerhUntitled-1 copyBlogging 101https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/blogging-101/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/blogging-101/#respondTue, 13 Jan 2015 22:54:22 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=634Continue reading →]]>I’m meeting a lot of other bloggers in Blogging 101. It’s a great course. I’m just taking a minute to familiarize myself with WordPress in general. This post is a Status format post. Just want to see where and how it will display. I still have the second part of my assignment to complete this evening. Yay Blogging 101! Filed under: Uncategorized]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/blogging-101/feed/0donnapalmerhDaily Prompt Post: Image Searchhttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/daily-prompt-post-image-search/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/daily-prompt-post-image-search/#commentsTue, 13 Jan 2015 21:52:08 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=626Continue reading →]]>Daily Prompt Post: Image Search

What this image brings to mind is my wish that I could rattle my ancestree and shake all those hidden ancestors out of there! A maternal great-grandfather that just disappeared off the face of the earth before 1860. I suspect I can identify his mother; but haven’t found anything concrete. A paternal great-grandfather that I suspect was free. This picture just gets my juices flowing and visions of ancestors dancing in my head.

It also reminds me of how straightforward the process is. There’s no need for web interference at the beginning stages. Just collect those names, dates, and locations and connect the dots. There’ll be plenty time for online sharing afterwhile. But, for now — wait, what’s that I see? That’s right — don’t forget about those collateral ancestors. They can fill in some of those sparse branches. Is that Aunt Edna’s uncle RayRay? The stories I’ve heard about him tell me I could find a long, lost cousin or two.

I prefer photographs over drawings — especially if the photographs are vintage. There’s just so much to be imagined in facial expressions in portraits, shadows in landscapes, and perceived activity in groups of people.

Filed under: Ancestry, Daily Prompt, Genealogy Tagged: ancestry, genealogy]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/daily-prompt-post-image-search/feed/2donnapalmerhA Little-Known Fact About Martin Luther King, Jr.https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/a-little-known-fact-about-martin-luther-king-jr/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/a-little-known-fact-about-martin-luther-king-jr/#commentsMon, 12 Jan 2015 12:27:19 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=577Continue reading →]]>Or is it known but not talked about? After mentioning Reformation Leader Martin Luther in a page on Christianity, I decided to write on something I’ve wondered about for many years. I’ve often wondered how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s grandparents decided on that name for his father. So, prompted by next week’s celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I set about the task of writing on the circumstances behind his grandparents’ choice of names. Why did the Kings name his father after the noted German monk who sparked the Reformation movement? Well, truth is . . . they didn’t — not at his birth. I came across two articles about the origins of the MLK name. And neither of them say that the the grandparents named the father of the Civil Rights Activist after the monk.

The first report I came across was in an online issue of Forbes. What I found out there was that the elder King’s given name was Michael (some reports specify, “Michael Luther King”). Then after a 1934 missionary trip to Germany where he learned about Reformation Leader Martin Luther, he changed his name — and that of his 5-year old son — to Martin Luther King, Sr. and Jr., respectively. This is the most likely, and most repeated, version of the truth. It’s harmless enough and carries a level of charm.

As I sought to gather more writings on the same explanation, I came across another that claimed the physician misunderstood what the child’s name was to be and wrote “Michael” instead of “Martin” on the birth certificate. My genealogical experience confirms this type of error was possible during that era; but it’s just not very convincing.

This post focuses on the charm aspect of the story; and will not probe into whether the names were legally changed. I can only imagine how King detractors would process this fact about him. I suspect their obvious treatment would be to focus on the legality of the name and documents that bore its signature. I stumbled upon it while preparing to write about why his grandparents chose that name for his father. Instead I found a little-known fact, with a varied range of significance, that we can only smile and wonder about today. Yes the circumstances and dates vary. But isn’t that the mark of a true legend? What I found was an unexpected fact that I am even more inspired to share.

So my relating the 20th century “Martin Luther King, Sr.” to the 15th century “Martin Luther” was not far-fetched in the least. My thought has been that the Civil Rights Leader’s parents named his father after the German monk who sparked the Christian Reformation. Well, the source of the name is correct. The only difference is that it wasn’t his grandparents who decided on the name . . . but his father . . . five years after young Michael was born. In the end, both the namesake (a word for which there is no antonym) and the original made substantial contributions to effect change in their respective eras and for posterity.

The Bible scholar can outline the Bible by book, develop character study and word study pages, maintain topical studies.

Book enthusiasts can keep track of their TBR lists, review notes, pending releases.

It’s early enough in the year for me to implement an idea that hatched a week or so ago. Even though my Bible study journal will be maintained separately, I think I’ll keep sermon notes in my day-to-day journal. That way, I’ll be more likely to apply the teachings because I’ll have the notes to constantly remind me. The analog journal will just always be a part of my system. But, recent developments make digital journaling a reasonable choice as well. I prefer to do both. Commonplacing my blogs in a separate blog is my choice for managing these projects. Plus it helps me learn WordPress better.

The theme selection tool that WordPress offers is phenomenal. When I began using it, with mobility being the main criteria, I thought, “Now we’re getting somewhere!” Just as an analog journaler considers size, format, and color when selecting a journal to be used as a commonplace book, I want it to feel as if I’m flipping through the pages of my Moleskine. Therefore, with the digital aspect, asthetics are a factor as well. I switched themes about four times before I settled on Origin as the theme for my personal blog.

The first theme I selected was based on aesthetics alone. I was satisfied with my choice until I pulled it up on my phone. The display was less than I could handle. I had to scroll all over the place just to read a page. So it was, “back to the drawing board.” I tried a few others. They were mobile friendly but lacked the “personality” of Origin. That sounds funny; but developing and maintaining my commonplace blog needs to be an enjoyable experience. Just like the size and color options influence me to buy a certain analog journal — functionality, ease of use, and appearance are game-makers or -breakers in digital journaling.

Take Our PollFiled under: Blogging, Commonplace Books Tagged: analog journaling, digital journaling, journal, journaling, moleskine, wordpress themes]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/08/the-analog-or-virtual-commonplace/feed/3WP_FI_Poll (Oxygen)donnapalmerhCommonplace_BookHow I Monitor My Followed Blogshttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/how-i-monitor-my-followed-blogs/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/how-i-monitor-my-followed-blogs/#commentsWed, 07 Jan 2015 21:54:12 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=489Continue reading →]]>Before I learned about the Lists feature in the Reader in today’s Blogging 101 assignment, I had developed a system to keep track of the many awesome blogs I came across. My Blogs I Follow list was getting longer by the day. And I wasn’t keeping track of which blog was about what. Today’s assignment showed me another way to view blogs by category. I’ll give it a try until I decide which method will be more efficient for my use.

Follow 5 New Topics in the Reader: I had actually begun doing this before the assignment. The only difference is I set up categories in my left navigation panel (described below) to keep up with the blogs I wanted to read regularly. The assignment, however, showed me how to use a similar feature in the Reader. I’m always open to learning new or multiple ways to do things.

Follow 5 New Blogs: As for the new blogs, I had already added four from interacting in the Commons. I’ll surely add more than the one required to complete this assignment. I appreciate the level of instruction in the blogging course. They provide a lot of detail to show us around WordPress. I’ve been looking forward to this so I can quit stumbling around on my own.

I quickly learned that I don’t remember what many of the blogs on my followed list are about. So, rather than continually add to a lengthy list of blogs I think I want to follow, I’ve limited my followed blogs to 12. (I just used 12 as the cut-off to keep it brief and because I wanted to name that section, “The Dirty Dozen”.) Then, after I visit the 12 on a few occasions, I determine whether to promote them to a link category (left nav) or stop following. When unrelated blogs come off, it creates room for more to be explored. This is the only way I could come up with to manage all the blogs I was finding.

I’m just hoping that, even though I’ve removed blogs from my “Blogs I’m Following” aka “Dirty Dozen” (see bottom left menu) list, the bloggers I’ve promoted to my links categories know I’m still following them via links. We’ll see how it works out.

“I have been in Sorrow’s kitchen and licked out all the pots. Then I have stood on the peaky mountain wrapped in rainbows, with a harp and a sword in my hands.” ― Zora Neale Hurston, Dust Tracks on a Road

For the Writer’s Quote Wednesday Event, we’re asked to share a favorite author’s quote that inspires us as writers. Celebrated novelist Zora Neale Hurston, a product of the Harlem Renaissance, has been one of my favorite authors for many years. Today marks the 114th anniversary of her birth.

The daughter of former slaves, she lived with various family members after her parents’ deaths. Poet, Langston Hughes was counted among her closest friends. You may know her most popular work, Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Filed under: Black History, Books Tagged: Black History]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/zora-neale-hurston-was-born-on-this-day-in-1891/feed/4WP_FI_Q_Zora_Sorrow's_Kitchen (Oxygen)donnapalmerhZoraQ_Zora_Sorrow's_Kitchen copywriters-quote-wed-20151Decisions (choose ye this day . . . )https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/decisions-choose-ye-this-day/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/decisions-choose-ye-this-day/#commentsMon, 05 Jan 2015 15:13:40 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=448Continue reading →]]>Along with the end of 2014 came my usual thoughts of what I could do differently in 2015. I stopped making resolutions many years ago. Now, I merely take inventory and focus on self-improvement. I like that I don’t have to wait until year-end to do this. It’s an ongoing process that is as welcome in May as in December. Last year (as in last month), was somewhat different. The words fear not came to me repeatedly. After reflecting on the times when these words applied, I finally understood them to be the Lord’s way of reminding me that there was no need to fear if I trusted in Him. Not only were they words of encouragement for last year — these words ushered me into 2015 with confidence and anticipation of a new guide-word to govern me. I tossed words around; but nothing stuck. Last week, I came across two things. One gave me my word for 2015. It is decisions. On January 2, I listened to Dr. Todd Hall share the meaning of this word for those who would lay hold of it in 2015. The second was a challenge to share the one word that would be my guide-word for the year. I thought this was a good way to keep the word before me. In each post, I’ll expound on what affects our decisions and how they shape our lives. As long as Christ is the head of my life and His will shapes my will, my decisions will be pleasing unto Him. The key is using scripture to interpret scripture. Nothing in God’s Word is open to human interpretation.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15 KJV)

Filed under: Religion, Tradition Tagged: decisions, key word, New Year]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/decisions-choose-ye-this-day/feed/2WP_FI_Decisions (2011)donnapalmerhHi. I’m Miss Donnahttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/hi-im-miss-donna/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/hi-im-miss-donna/#commentsMon, 05 Jan 2015 06:08:18 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=439Continue reading →]]>Hello, Reader. I answer to “Miss Donna”. I’m a Gulf Region transplant from the Mid-West who loves to write. I never acted on my desire to major in journalism. But I continue to write every chance I get. My current boss appreciates and relies on my ability to write with clarity. And, after reading a description of my first hurricane experience, my former boss told me he was totally drawn into the experience by my attention to detail and that I should consider writing a novel. a Commonplace STUDIO launched at the beginning of December; so there are not very many posts. I’m still learning my way around. I’ve changed themes — maybe twice. This is actually my second blog. The first filled the book review niche on another platform. I’m happy with my decision to switch to WordPress; and plan to import some of my reviews as well. Learn more about the STUDIO . My primary focus for starting this blog is genealogy. I began researching my family history around the turn of the century; and I’m ready to share my findings with my family and connect with other family history bloggers. I joined a couple of genealogy groups on facebook; but I’m looking for a little more. And think I’ll find it by blogging. Another reason I started this blog is that I have strong religious convictions that I want my children and grandchildren to have written explanations of for future reference. For now, you’ll find my thoughts and experiences with regard to books, genealogy, Christianity (particularly Protestantism), topical Bible studies, cast iron cookware, and the occasional random post. If you share my interest in any of these topics, hopefully we can engage in a digital dialogue or two. In the beginning stages, I will sharpen my writing skills by responding to challenges that inspire me. I’m also hoping to become well-versed in WordPress. Oh, and I’m teaching myself digital graphics. You’ll find some of my creations posted here as well. I know your time is valuable; so my goal is to keep my posts within the 300-500 word range. Welcome to my commonplace.Filed under: Challenges Tagged: blogging101, Cast Iron, genealogy, Protestantism, writing]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/hi-im-miss-donna/feed/3WP_FI_Blogging_101_800 copydonnapalmerhShake_Hands copyFear Nothttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2014/12/31/fear-not/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2014/12/31/fear-not/#respondThu, 01 Jan 2015 04:47:05 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=420Continue reading →]]>

Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. (2 Chronicles 20:17 KJV)

Soundness of mind is a most virtuous gift from God. A thing that zips right past others has a way of taking up residency in my mind until He gives me spiritual clarity about it — until I have understood “the thing.”

The New Year is a time of reflection for me. If I could use two words to sum up God’s desire for me in 2014 — what He wanted me to finally grasp — they would be, Fear not . Time after time, I found myself on the other side of seemingly insurmountable circumstances — shaking my head in humbled adoration of the power of the Hand of God.

The words, fear not were spoken many times throughout God’s Word when His people didn’t know what to make of a thing. And those are the two words I have finally lain hold of. Now the only thing I anticipate is how He will restore order. You know, that’s what He does when we fear not.

You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend. ~ Paul Sweeney

For the Writer’s Quote Wednesday Event, we’re asked to share a favorite author’s quote that inspires us as writers. I had already begun uploading some of my quote graphics to a Commonplace STUDIO gallery. This is one of my favorites because it’s happened to me many times. His quote reminds us that inspiration often comes from characters who linger in the minds of readers. So in this instance, it’s the quote that’s a favorite. Plus, I wanted to show off my graphic. How do you like it?

Filed under: Books, Challenges, Quotes Tagged: Reading, Writer's Quote Wednesday]]>https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2014/12/31/when-youve-read-a-good-book/feed/4Stack of old booksdonnapalmerhQ_You've read a good book copywriters-quote-wed-20151Appreciation Breeds Happinesshttps://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2014/12/24/quote-break-appreciation-trumps-happiness/
https://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/2014/12/24/quote-break-appreciation-trumps-happiness/#commentsWed, 24 Dec 2014 16:00:38 +0000http://acommonplacestudio.wordpress.com/?p=322Continue reading →]]>
An appreciative heart is the foundation for happiness. Appreciate what you already have, are, know, see . . . Set your sights on what will compliment what you already have. Don’t always seek to replace it. Your current state is God’s intention; and reordering it is His business. Elevation comes after you apply His truths to your situation. Blessing comes when God sees you making the most of what is. Be poised to readily release whatever — or whomever — threatens your ability to appreciate.

Many times, when I’ve had to remind myself to take stock of what I have, I hadn’t considered the added responsibility that would come with whatever was on the horizon. To look out on the horizon offers inspiration; but I had to learn how to apply inspiration to reality. Yes, that’s the key to happiness.

I found quite an inspiring challenge. It appealed to my affinity for quote graphics. That’s probably not the right name; but it’s what I call them. Since I had already created a handful of them that I shared on facebook, I thought, “Why not share them here as well?” Then I came across the Words Crush Wednesday Challenge. I love words too, Lisa. That’s serendipity.